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Island 50 Festival

There is one thing that a few celebrity musicians have in common. They have not only become musical legends, but artists such as U2, Cat Stevens, Grace Jones, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley and the Wailers, The 52’s and Robert Palmer all have or had, the same record label catapulting their careers, namely Island Records. With so many success stories connected to its rise to become one of the most powerful labels in Britain, it comes as no surprise that a star studded event is being planned to celebrate the labels’ 50th anniversary.

In 1959, on the colorful island of Jamaica, a man with a vision decided to create a music label. He named it Island Records, and his name is Chris Blackwell. A few years later, Blackwell moved to London and brought his label with him. Its humble Jamaican beginnings have never been forgotten, but it has evolved into a record label that has embraced various genres and become a respected member of the music industry. In celebration of fifty years in the business, Island Records, in conjunction with its founder, Chris Blackwell, will be hosting the Island 50 Festival.

The venue for the Island 50 Festival will be the Shepherds Bush Empire in London and will take place from the 25th of May 2009 to the 31st of May 2009. There will be a concert on every day that week and the following musicians have already confirmed their performances: Sly & Robbie and the Compass Point Allstars (together with special guests), The Fratellis, Bombay Bicycle Club, Cat Stevens (Yusuf) and friends, Baaba Maal, Paul Weller, Ernest Ranglin, Spooky Tooth, Keane, Tom Tom Club, Ladyhawke, Amy Winehouse, Toots & The Maytals and I Blame Coco.

Over and above the hip swinging concerts, the Island 50 Festival will also showcase memorabilia, photography exhibitions, documentaries and re-issues of music, in celebration of fifty years of success in the cut throat music industry. This is a festival that is not to be missed. With exhibitions and a musical line-up that is so rare, the Island 50 Festival is guaranteed to be the event of the year. Tickets to this magnificent musical spectacular will go on sale from the 13th of March 2009.

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